Why Does Uttarakhand Celebrate A Second Diwali? Igas Bagwal 2026 Guide

While the rest of India completes its Diwali festivities with Amavasya, the state of Uttarakhand is known for preparing for its festival of lights. This Diwali is known as Igas Bagwal, or Old Diwali or Budhi Diwali here, and is a centuries-old celebration that takes place right after Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, 11 days later. This year, Igas Bagwal is set to be celebrated on November 20. Let's understand the reason behind this celebration and learn more about this second Diwali celebrated in the high valleys. 

Why is Igas Bagwal Celebrated?

The term Bagwal in the Garhwali and Kumaoni dialects means the festival of lights, and Igas means the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartik, or Ekadashi. To understand why Uttarakhand celebrates Diwali after 11 days, let's take a deep dive into the mythological legends. 

Tale of Delayed News

According to local folklore, when lord Rama returned to his city, Ayodhya, after defeating Ravana, the news spread like wildfire across the plains (Indo-Gangetic). However, due to isolated ridgelines, formidable terrain, and lack of rapid communication,  in the high Kumaon and Garhwal hills, the news reached the remote mountain hamlets, but eleven days late. As soon as the villagers received the news on Kartik Ekadashi, they illuminated their homes with pine torches and clay lamps, initiating the festival of lights after 11 days again. 

Return Of General Madho Singh Bhandari

This local story revolves around the legendary 17th-century commander-in-chief of the Garhwal Kingdom under Chhatrapti Mahipat Singh, Veer Madho Singh Bhandari. He led a grueling expedition across the high-altitude Himalayan passes to defend the borders against Tibetan incursions. But as Diwali arrived, there was no news from the frontlines. Fearing something unfortunate, the Garhwal avoided all the festivities. On the 11th day after the Amavasya, Madho Singh returned with his army, and the overjoyed villagers lit oil lamps and prepared festive feasts. 

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Key Rituals Of Igas Bagwal 2026

Bhailo

This is the main ritual where villagers bundle the dried resinous pine wood and dry mountain grass tightly using natural hemp ropes. At dusk, the villagers light these bundles and swing them in the air in a circular motion. 

Pashu Pujan

Oxen and cows are washed, their horns are rubbed with mustard oil, and they are adorned with marigold garlands. They are fed a special festive warm mash which is made of pulses, cooked rice, and coarse grains. 

Dhol-Damau

The rhythmic beats of the traditional Garhwali instruments like Dhol and Damau fill the village. The villagers gather to perform community folk dances like Chhopati and Tandi. 

Delicious Festive Cuisine

Every household features regional winter specialties like Pakora, Swala, Gahat soup, Arsa, and Jhangora kheer. 

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Guide For Igas Bagwal 2026

Event Details:

Date: November 20, 2026

Tithi: Kartik Shukla Ekadashi

Day: Friday

Regions: Best regions to experience this are the villages across Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Chamoli districts, and Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi. 

Weather: Mid to late November brings crisp, dry autumn days which brings the temperature between 15 degree Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius. The temperatures during the night are between 2 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius in high-altitude villages. 

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Tips For Travelers

The swinging of burning pine torches requires both skill and space. So make sure you observe and maintain a safe distance from the performers unless you are invited by the locals under their supervision. 

Festivities begin after sunset and often extend late into the night around bonfire circles. Try to bring your thermal wear, woolens, and fleece jackets. 

Village celebrations are very hospitable, so make sure you respect them and ask permission before clicking pictures so that you do not hurt their sentiments in any way. Keep this tip in mind, especially when you wish to film the villagers inside their private homes or during cattle rituals. 

The ancestral village of General Madho Singh Bhandari, Rikholi, is known for hosting the most historically authentic Igas celebrations. Remote villages across the Bhagirathi and Bhilagna valleys host intimate celebrations where visitors staying at a homestay can participate in Pashu Pujan and relish delicious meals. 

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Summing Up

Igas Bagwal, also known as Budhi Diwali, is a festival celebrated in the northern state of Uttarakhand. It is celebrated 11 days after the Diwali celebrations take place across India.